Page 87 of Playboy Boss

Chapter Thirty-One

“I see…” Konrad didn’t know how to have a conversation about Scottie with A-Plus Temporaries. He didn’t take personnel-type calls. But this was personal. He wanted to know where she was. What she was doing.

“We do expect our temporaries to seek permanent employment, but usually they finish assignments, so I apologize for the abrupt departure of Scottine Roberts. I am more than happy to send a replacement today for the duration of the contract.”

Bloody hell. Three months was a long time for someone else to sit across from him. Take his notes. Schedule his appointments. He knew Scottie would eventually get another job, but this was not how he had envisioned it happening.

“Of course. But no worries for today. Send the new temp on Monday.” He needed to get off the call.

“No problem, Mr. Korr. We’ll send a suitable temp on Monday morning.”

“Thank you.”

“Thank you, sir. Have a wonderful day.”

“You as well.” He hung up, a sigh blowing out of him the size of Eastern Europe.

Konrad stared at his computer screen. No way did Scottie get another job so fast. They’d only broken up last night. There was no job available that quickly. It was clear Scottie had left the contract and, from the sound of it, left the agency.

His phone buzzed, taking him from his thoughts and a little bit from the misery of not having her. It was Fabian.

Fabian P: You missed guys’ night. You better NOT miss tonight.

Another fucking get-together with those two? Hadn’t they had enough celebrating? Bloody-fucking-hell. They acted like they were the only couple who’d ever decided to marry. Yes, Konrad was feeling bitter and tender from his wounds—because he felt indescribably wounded.

Me: We’ll see.

Fabian P: Come on, man. A guy turns twenty-nine only once.

Oh right. It was Konrad’s birthday too. He usually enjoyed celebrating, but that year he had no desire to celebrate if Scottie wouldn’t be by his side.

Me: I don’t want to make a big deal of it.

Fabian P: Nah. Just us guys having a drink at Antonia’s. She’ll be out with Mel tonight.

Well, at least it wasn’t another engagement dinner. Konrad squeezed the bridge of his nose. He groaned, not wanting to go. The best thing he could think about doing was falling face first into his bed. His lonely, cold bed that Scottie should be in.

Me: Fine.

Fabian P: Excellent!

Konrad already regretted it. He liked being social, but he just wanted to be himself. Be bummed. Be emotional. Be “off” for once.

The loud buzz of his intercom jolted him to attention. He’d been lost in his thoughts.

“Konrad?” Susan’s voice called through the speaker.

“Yes?” He glanced back at his email. The contract for the EaDo property sale to the Ortho-Sync company popped up.

“Mr. Halman is here to see you.”

Konrad skimmed over the email. “Send him back.”

He sat back, thinking about the EaDo sale. For some reason, he thought of what Scottie had said about the Bayou Sling. If the opportunity for something good comes along, you should take it.

A knock on the door grabbed his attention. Dallas waited at the door, coming in when Konrad waved him in.

“Hey.” Dallas walked over to the desk, taking Konrad’s hand in their usual greeting handshake and pat on the back. He sat. “Happy birthday, old man.”